I can't describe the fear you feel walking into your first chemotherapy appointment, other than to say each step you take feels as if you are walking on broken and unpredictable foundation. I was about to embark on a fight to save myself from breast cancer. Even though I was greeted with infectious smiles and compassion from my first step into this new area of the hospital, I felt terrified. I was physically shaking and completely uneasy. I was consumed with fear. That is until I met and truly saw Lisa. 

I had never been through anything quite like this before in my life. The nurse after greeting me said, "Please step on the scale, let's get your weight." Something I've done a hundred times before. I got ready to put my foot on the scale and misjudged my place in the room and all but knocked that scale right over. I apologized and the tears came, fast. I said, "I'm so sorry, I am so nervous." 

Lisa said, "It's okay, this does feel scary. But you are a part of our family now and I got you." From that moment on, she had my hand. She guided me through each medicine, impact expectation, and symptom, answered every question, and empathetically supported my needs and my family's needs through day one. She had me smiling before long and even cracking a joke or two. I can't imagine going through that day without her. 

Lisa demonstrates key characteristics that build confidence, support a patient's needs, and educates everyone around her. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, all I have wanted was to be healthy and feel normal. So how on Earth did I walk out of my first treatment feeling normal? I can answer that with one word, Lisa. 

Lisa is deserving of the DAISY Award for her care of patients going through one of the hardest battles of their lives. Having her as my nurse armed me show how to fight the fear, and the unknown, and step into the journey. She had me that day exactly as she promised and has continued to through each treatment I have received. 

Not only do I believe I can tackle this journey, but having her in my corner makes me feel like we are unstoppable in this battle against cancer. "Where flowers bloom so does hope." (Lady Bird Johnson)

Thank you, Lisa, for the gift of confidence, comfort, and even more for hope. 

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Lisa has been working as a registered nurse for 39 years, with most of her career working with oncology and infusion therapy patients. She says "Oncology/infusion nursing has been my passion. It is inspiring to see all the new therapies that help patients live longer with an improved quality of life. I feel privileged to care for these patients."

Lisa's manager added, "I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for over 20 years and have always known her to be the kind of nurse that we all strive to emulate. She is genuinely one of the most compassionate, caring, and warm-hearted nurses I have encountered. Lisa is so deserving of this award, and I am extremely happy that she is being recognized."